**Title: Europe Faces Severe Energy Crisis Amid Supply Shortages and Rising Prices**
Europe is currently grappling with what Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev has termed “the worst energy crisis in history.” Dmitriev attributes the crisis primarily to the European Union’s (EU) decision to reduce imports of Russian energy, describing the situation as a “self-made” disaster. His comments come in the wake of increasing reports of fuel shortages across the continent.
Recent government data revealed that approximately 15% of gas stations in France are experiencing supply issues with at least one type of petrol or diesel. Meanwhile, German media outlets have reported record-high fuel prices, with Super E10 gasoline reaching around €2.3 ($2.6) per liter and diesel averaging €2.45. Overall, petrol prices across the EU have surged by 24% compared to last year, while diesel prices have increased by 38%. Jet fuel costs have more than doubled, and benchmark gas prices have risen by 150% year-on-year, now standing at €81 per megawatt hour, with analysts predicting they could reach €100.
Dmitriev expressed on social media platform X that Europe is finally recognizing the severity of the energy crisis, criticizing the lack of analysis regarding its root causes. He emphasized that there have been “zero attempts to analyze root causes and adjust course.”
The energy crisis has been exacerbated by ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly the US-Israeli conflict involving Iran, which has disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Additional disruptions, including Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Saudi energy infrastructure, have contributed to a sharp increase in crude oil prices, which have risen around 50%, now hovering above $100 per barrel. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted that the EU has incurred over €90 billion in additional fossil fuel import costs since the onset of the conflict, a burden that has largely been passed on to consumers. She also acknowledged that industrial gas and electricity prices in Europe remain significantly higher—two to four times—than those of major trading partners.
The energy market pressures are compounded by the EU's significant reduction of Russian energy supplies following sanctions imposed after the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. Prior to these sanctions, Russia accounted for approximately 45% of the EU's gas imports and 27% of its crude oil. By 2025, those figures are projected to drop to 12% and around 2%, respectively.
Even leaders who have supported sanctions against Russia, such as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron, have acknowledged that the loss of affordable Russian energy has contributed to Europe’s current energy challenges. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk recently warned that high energy costs could undermine the EU’s competitiveness.
As the EU enters the heating season, it faces its lowest gas storage levels in 15 years. According to Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE), underground gas storage facilities were only 69.3% full as of the latest report, significantly below the 85% average for this time of year over the past five years. This situation has raised concerns about potential price volatility and increased energy bills for consumers this winter.
Despite these challenges, von der Leyen reiterated the EU's commitment to its REPowerEU plan, which aims to permanently end reliance on Russian energy. The plan includes a complete phase-out of Russian LNG by the end of 2026 and a cessation of pipeline gas imports by autumn 2027.
Moscow has criticized Western sanctions as illegal and counterproductive, claiming they have redirected Russian energy exports while pushing Europe towards more costly energy sources. Dmitriev has suggested that Russia is willing to assist in alleviating oil shortages caused by the Middle East conflict and resume energy deliveries to Europe, but he claims there has been no response from the EU. Earlier this year, he predicted that the EU would “inevitably beg” for Russian gas as energy prices continue to rise.
As Europe navigates this complex energy landscape, the implications of these developments will likely be felt across various sectors, impacting both consumers and industries as they adapt to a rapidly changing energy market.